Robert Marko

Robert "Bob" Marko, born on January 6, 1947, in Flint, Michigan, left this world on December 20, 2025, at Bronson Methodist Hospital, surrounded by his beloved family. A proud veteran who served in the United States Army, Bob reached the rank of Sergeant in the storied Big Red One during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968. His bravery earned him the Purple Heart and the Vietnam Service Medal Sharpshooter.

Bob graduated from Atherton High School in 1966 and shortly after, began a fulfilling career in Sales.  He cherished his role in the workforce, but it was his life outside of work that truly defined him. On June 2, 1978, he married the love of his life, Nancy Boensch, and together they celebrated 47 wonderful years, raising their family in Essexville, MI.

Bob was a man of kindness and conversation, always ready to share stories and showcase the pride he took in his grandchildren. His love for family was evident in every moment spent together, particularly in playful games where his joyful victory dance became a trademark move.

An avid outdoorsman, In the winter you would find him riding snow mobiles and ice fishing.  Bob also enjoyed deer hunting with his Dad.  His had a passion for raising, training and running coon hounds and rabbit dogs.   Among his proudest accomplishments was training one of his pups to achieve the status of Grand Night Champion. He was a lifelong fan of Detroit sports, he supported the Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, Pistons, and the University of Michigan Football Team with unwavering loyalty.

If you asked Bob about his greatest achievement, he would speak of his decision to follow Christ, in 1996, which brought profound change to his life. He was a member of Encounter Church of Plainwell, where he served an Elder and on the Board.  He wasn't just a man of faith; he actively served his community by helping seniors with home repairs during weekends without any expectation of payment.

Bob's family includes his devoted wife, Nancy; his children, Joseph (Heather) Boensch, of Bridgeport, MI; Julie Lewis, fiancé Donnie Brest of Martin, MI; Shannon Burgis, (Dan) of Diamondale, MI; Melissa Fecteau, (John) of Lansing, MI. He also leaves behind cherished grandchildren Brendan  Lewis, girlfriend Morgan Hayward; Peyton Lewis, fiancé Dakota Innes; and Sydney Elizabeth Boensch , along with Great-grandchildren Grant and Hayden Brest of Richland, MI. Bob is survived by his sister Nancy Nelson of Burton, MI, brother and sister in Law, Phil & Jackie Persicke of Freeland, brother and sister in law, Bill and Cindy Priem of Bay city, sister in law Kenda Persicke, of Saginaw, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly. He was predeceased by his father Michael Marko, mother Elizabeth Waid, stepfather Coil Waid, brother Michael Marko, sister Carol Rouse, brother-in-law David Persicke, brother-in-law, Wayne Nelson, Nephew Donnie Rouse, and Niece Jennifer Norcross.

Bob Marko’s legacy of love, kindness, and service to others will live on in the hearts of everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. He leaves a remarkable footprint on this world and will be profoundly missed by all.

Cremation has taken place and there will be a celebration memorial at a later date.